American nun urges funding for abortion abroad

May 21, 2014

An American woman religious with a history of radical dissent from Catholic teaching has signed an open letter urging President Barack Obama to restore funding for programs that promote abortion in other countries.

Sister Jeannine Gramick, who heads the National Coalition of American Nuns, was the sole Catholic in a group of religious leaders who signed the letter. The text said:

Although we come from different religious traditions, we are united in our belief that women and girls who face sexual violence and rape deserve meaningful access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options including safe abortion.

In 1999 the Vatican issued a caution that New Ways Ministry—a group with which Sister Gramick was involved— had promoted “ambiguities and errors” regarding the Church’s teaching on homosexuality. The Vatican asked the group’s leaders, Sister Gramick and Father Robert Nugent, not to speak or write on the topic. Although Father Nugent obeyed that directive, Sister Gramick defied it.

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The question isn't only why hasn't she been disciplined but also why does she want to remain in the Catholic Church, which she obviously disagrees with? I think the answer must be that she wants to raise havoc.

Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
May. 22, 2014 10:54 AM ET USA

So, why hasn't she been disciplined?

Posted by: geoffreysmith1 -
May. 22, 2014 7:50 AM ET USA

It is signatories like Kissling, Gramick and Jefferts Schori who make America so hated throughout the world for this unwarranted interference in another nation's business and culture. Unless such people stop their bullying and bombastic hectoring of other countries, the prospect for any sort of peace in the world will remain a pie in the sky. For the sake of America's relations with other nations, President Obama must ignore this impudent peevishness by these transient nobodies.

Posted by: jg23753479 -
May. 21, 2014 6:59 PM ET USA

15 years ago the Vatican asked her politely to stop spreading false teachings while retaining the title "Sister". Isn't it past time for Church authorities to tell her that she is no longer considered a nun or a even a Catholic? Leaving this kind of thing in limbo for a decade and a half isn't pastoral, it's pernicious.

Posted by: Biscjim -
May. 21, 2014 6:16 PM ET USA

But, woe to those who support tradition.

Posted by: Defender -
May. 21, 2014 5:45 PM ET USA

Seems obviously what to do. The only question will be how long it will take the Vatican to do it.

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